Big holiday celebrations are taking place in Fleetwood this weekend. Fleetwood Community Center will be hosting the 3rd Annual Holiday Happenings on Saturday, Dec. 1. A pancake/waffle breakfast will be served from 8 until 10:30 a.m. and then hamburgers and hotdogs will be served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. or sold out. The proceeds from breakfast and lunch support the community center and help to defer the cost of operations. Vendors will be open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Gary Poe will be hosting his WKSK radio show just a little after 11. Jim Brooks will be performing on the show and may bring along friends.

Vendors will be offering a variety of Christmas gifts and goodies incluidng homemade pies and cakes. Gift ideas include crafts and Christmas items at several booths such as cookbooks, candles, jewelry and personal care items. Christmas decorations will be available and Boy Scouts will be selling fresh Christmas wreaths. One booth will also be offering a doggie boutique so you may purchase that special pet gift.

Stay awhile and listen to some great music. Award-winning Laura Kaufman will be performing gospel music throughout the day. She will also have a selection of CDs available for purchase. Laura was a winner in the gospel category at Merlefest this past year. Jim Brooks will be live on the Old Time Music Show from WKSK just past 11 a.m. Gary Poe always has a fine show and you can see it live!

Also around 11 a.m., Santa has promised to stop by. You have heard about reindeer, but when he comes to the Fleetwood Center, Santa brings a pony for the kids to enjoy. This little guy thinks he is a pet and is very gentle as well as friendly. Bring the kids for a visit and also to give Santa their last minute list.

The Antique Shop will be open during Holiday Happenings hours and you can browse there for that unique gift idea. There is a selection of items in the shop that are solely there to support Relay for Life and your purchase of these items go to support the fight against cancer in the community.

While you are here for food, fun and great shopping, take a look around at all the changes being made at the center. In partnership with Rainbow Center of Wilkes, the center is getting ready for the High Country Academy to open and several upgrades have been made in the facility and grounds. Take a look around and see the great changes and plans for more to come.

Fleetwood Community Center is operated in the old Fleetwood School by Greater Fleetwood Preservation Organization. The center has space available for gatherings, parties and meetings as well as classroom space for educational offerings in the community. Gym and ball field space is also available for sports and fitness activities. Scheduling is done by phone at 877-4973, leave a message and your call will be returned. A new web site should be available soon.

Organizers appreciate all support and are grateful for a volunteer staff that willingly works many hours to keep the center operational. Meetings are held the first Tuesday evening of every month at 7 p.m. at the center if you would like to be a part of your community’s activities. Located at Highway 221 south and Railroad Grade Road in Fleetwood, the center welcomes you and advises best parking is at the Railroad Grade Road entrance.